Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that is highly harmful to the body and potentially life-threatening. It affects each person differently, but generally, it involves a distorted body image, a fear of gaining weight, and intentionally restricting food intake. Anorexia affects a person’s physical health and mental health. According to state.sc.us, “Anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents.” If you struggle with your relationship with food, you do not have to face anorexia recovery alone. There are multiple resources available aimed to help with eating disorder recovery. Reach out to a mental health professional to see if a nutrition rehabilitation program may benefit you.
Symptoms and Causes
While the exact cause for Anorexia has not been pinpointed, some factors may make a person’s risk higher. Some of those include the following:
- Past criticism regarding eating habits, body image, or bodyweight
- Past bullying
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Sexual abuse
- History of dieting
- Trauma
- Mental Illness
Anorexia Nervosa has an extreme impact on the body. Some of the symptoms of individuals with anorexia include the following:
- Severe loss of muscle mass
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Low body temperature
- Bloatedness
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Irregular menstruation
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Loss of bone density
- Brittle nails
- Constipation
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Lanugo
- Bad breath and tooth decay
Treatment for Anorexia and Recovery
There are a few treatment options when it comes to helping individuals with Anorexia recover. Eating disorder treatment plans include behavioral therapy, counseling, nutritional therapy, psychodynamic therapy, medication, support groups, and inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Eating disorder treatment centers that offer inpatient treatments exist to help facilitate recovery and offer relapse prevention support. No matter the treatment option chosen by your or a trusted medical professional, it is essential to treat both the emotional pain and physical health of patients with anorexia. Although recovering from anorexia may seem impossible, but it is not. You are not alone. Help is just a phone call away. If you or someone you know is struggling with Anorexia Nervosa, talk to your primary care doctor to see what the next steps are on the road to long-term recovery and a healthier relationship with food.
